REGINA — The member of the legislature for Regina Douglas Park has been named interim leader of the Saskatchewan New Democrats.

Nicole Sarauer also becomes leader of the Official Opposition.

She replaces Trent Wotherspoon, who stepped down from the interim leader’s job in order to consider running for the job permanently.

Sarauer has served as the deputy house leader for the Opposition and has served as critic for several portfolios, including justice, policing and corrections, status of women, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, and immigration.

Before being elected to the legislature, Sarauer practised law at a private firm until 2011 when she moved to a provincial charity providing free legal representation.

She was also an elected trustee on the Regina Catholic School Board.

“As I take over this Interim role, the people of Saskatchewan can rest assured that our team and our resolve have not changed,” said Sarauer. “We are as determined as ever to keep fighting for Saskatchewan families and against the Saskatchewan Party’s callous cuts, unfair tax hikes, and desperate sell-offs.”

The party started looking for a new leader after failing to make substantial gains against the Saskatchewan Party in the 2016 election and leader Cam Broten quit.

The NDP is to choose a leader at a convention next May.

So far, only Saskatoon Meewasin member of the legislature Ryan Meili has said he will seek the top job.